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I know there's been 1000 threads advising against this, but I think my situation might be different enough to warrant this move. Here's my situation:
I currently live just outside of Philly and I lost my job right after Hurricane Sandy. I worked at the same company for 9 years and the division was doing poorly but Sandy pushed it over the edge. The division was eliminated and I along with it. I work doing environmental remediation, and that work, which was mostly in NJ, has dried up due to excessive govt regulations. Nonetheless, I'm ready to move out of this area regardless.
I've been to Raleigh several times and stayed with friends there years ago for a while. I really like it there, I am not made for the Philly/NJ/NYC area, as I am laid back and love nature. I loved how friendly people are there, and I'm not looking to change the way things are done. I'm a good assimilator.
I have an emergency fund in the bank and it would be enough to cover 6-9 months of all living expenses (Thanks Dave Ramsey On top of that, I have income from UI that would probably be 3x the rent I'm seeking per month. I have no debt, no kids, and I'm a single mid thirties guy. Here are my questions:
1. Will apartment complexes rent to someone who is receiving UI, especially if I'm willing to make a 3 month upfront payment?
2. Is it possible to get a safe, decent one bedroom apt in Raleigh for $700-$750 a month? Preferably someplace suburban, clean, safe, and kinda tucked away in a natural setting? The apartment complexes that I see there online are very nice and appear new and clean. Is there a lot of vacancy in the complexes down there this time of year?
3. How difficult is it to make friendships with people in the area? I enjoy meeting people and I'm hoping it will be easier there more than here, where its kinda clannish. I also am Catholic and I'm hoping to find a small, closeknit church that I can attend and hopefully meet some nice (hopefully:0) wholesome, good natured people there.
Lastly, I'm hoping the area isn't as corporate, fast-paced, and driven as this area tends to be. Work, climbing the corporate ladder, and non stop stress, etc seems to be the norm here. I'm more of a simple person who likes history, urban/rural exploration, and nature much more than money, cars, and "things". I guess I'm hoping for a locale that doesn't solely revolve around possessions and keeping up with the Jones'. Thanks.
You will probably love the museums downtown! I recommend checking out Meetup.com to make friends with common interests and your residence will likely determine what church you attend.
I imagine that jobs in your area would likely be in Raleigh proper and RTP/West Raleigh. I bet you could find an apartment at 750 a month. Good luck with your move. Maybe you'll find a significant other down here too ;-)
My husband and I moved here without a job and yes it was scary. We had savings but that doesnt ever last as long as you hope it will. We had no problem renting a house and I was able to get a job within a couple of months. If you are motivated enough, everything will work out great for you!
There is plenty of nature around Philly. Raleigh area is different, but not because it is totally laid-back. My suggestion to you is to get a rental at somewhere like HomeSuites or ExtendedStay which is for visiting businessmen. Take a look around, but try to have some meetings set up ahead of time if you want to scope out the job market in your field. Three months can go by pretty quickly if you do not have a plan. Moving from a place where you know a few people to a place where you know no one maybe harder than you imagine.
On the job front, you probably should look at finding a placement company to help you. They can start now getting your name out there even before you pack your first box.
Second, if there are any professional groups you should join those when you get here. I'm not overly familiar with your profession, but I know there are numerous meetups that are job/networking related in the area. So it would be worth getting involved in one or two of those. You never know who you are going to meet who may help you find that next job.
Just know that if you don't find a job that you want by the time your UI runs out, getting a simple part-time retail job can be a challenge -- unlike the past.
The answers to #2 and #3 questions are: You won't have any trouble. You might also try Meetup.com. Wait to find out where you're living, and then ask about local churches. There are many more Baptists than Catholics here, but you only need one good church.
You'll find ruthless corporate ladder-climbing in some companies in the Triangle, especially since most jobs are now competitive, and generally there are fewer people doing more tasks. But it's not a regional trait.
The other advice offered is excellent. However, even for extraordinarily motivated people, sometimes things do not work out great. (re "If you are motivated enough, everything will work out great for you!") It's the economy.
I moved here without a job and had enough savings for (I think) about 6-9 mo. I had been searching for jobs here for 6 mo and knew I wanted to be here anyway, so I took a chance since it was just me. I got a 2/1 apartment on St. Marys St. for $635ish and they were fine with me since I could show I had quite a few months of rent money in the bank. About 2.5 mo after I moved here, I landed a job which I'm still at 3.5 years later. It can be tough, but also fun and could end really well! Just be sure to check your humility at the state line . I got a part time retail job 2 weeks before I got my job because I didn't want to drain my savings while job searching. As long as you will do what it takes, you should be fine. Welcome!
I think you will do fine bro. Being that it's only you it makes it a lot easier to navigate the process. With a few months of rent in your pocket you should be able to find a place. Also that is a realistic budget for a one bedroom apt. here by in large so you shouldnt have too hard of a time. On the job front, I don't discount any line of work, at least at first. Normally it's not a prudent move to go someplace new without a job, but you have really unique circumstances, I say go for it! Especially if here is where you want to be, and it sounds like it is. People are generally nice here also so you should fit in nicely, and there are churches everywhere so just jump in and hang on
I moved here without a job and had enough savings for (I think) about 6-9 mo. I had been searching for jobs here for 6 mo and knew I wanted to be here anyway, so I took a chance since it was just me. I got a 2/1 apartment on St. Marys St. for $635ish and they were fine with me since I could show I had quite a few months of rent money in the bank. About 2.5 mo after I moved here, I landed a job which I'm still at 3.5 years later. It can be tough, but also fun and could end really well! Just be sure to check your humility at the state line . I got a part time retail job 2 weeks before I got my job because I didn't want to drain my savings while job searching. As long as you will do what it takes, you should be fine. Welcome!
Using your timetable ("3.5 years later"), you moved here before the recession hit the area. It's not quite that easy anymore. However, OP at least is aware of this and not coming because "I read and old article saying the job market is terrific there!!"
The $700 range is not a bad ballpark for OP's needs in an apartment. And meeting people is not hard here--just get out and do things you like, and you'll find others doing those same things.
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On top of that, I have income from UI that would probably be 3x the rent I'm seeking per month. I have no debt, no kids, and I'm a single mid thirties guy. Here are my questions:
